The Census of Population and Housing can provide counts of the population on two main bases - based on where people usually live (place of usual residence counts) or on where they were on Census Night (place of enumeration counts).The two counts are rarely identical for any particular area - because every area will have some residents away on Census Night while at the same time have visitors from other areas. See Counting Resident and Non-resident Populations in the Census for more information on the two types of count and on the extent of difference between them for Statistical Areas Level 4 (SA4s) across Australia.

In 2011, there were 22% more people counted in Western Australia - Outback on Census Night than usually lived there - 48,000 more people. This was a greater proportional difference than for any other SA4 in Australia. The difference between the two counts was higher than it had been in 2006 (17%). Both counts were considerably higher in 2011 than in 2006; the enumerated population count was 23% higher while the usual resident population count was 20% higher.

Western Australia - Outback is a vast area of 2.3 million square kilometres. This article focuses on the smaller areas that make up Western Australia - Outback - profiling their usual resident, enumerated and working populations.

This area attracts overseas visitors. Overseas visitors are excluded from the population counts discussed in this article - see the Overseas Visitors box at the end of this article for some information on the number of overseas visitors in the area on Census Night.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA - OUTBACK - COMPONENTS OF POPULATION COUNTS, 2011(a)

Enumerated and Usual Resident

207 138

Enumerated but not Usual Resident

55 967

Usual Resident, Enumerated out of the area

7 912

(a) Excludes overseas visitors

Distance travelled from Place of Usual Residence to Place of Work

Many people who worked in Western Australia - Outback travelled a long distance from their usual residence to their place of work. For Australia, only 1% of the working population travelled 500kms or more from their place of usual residence to their place of work. Of these, just over half travelled 1000kms or more. In contrast, in Western Australia - Outback, almost a fifth of people (19%) travelled more than 1000kms.

Distance travelled to work

The distance travelled to work is the direct distance between the centroid of the SA2 of a person's usual residence and the centroid of the SA2 of their place of work.

Most employed people who have stated a place of work have been included in the analysis of distance to work. People have been excluded from the analysis if they had a Usual Residence SA2 of 'No Usual Address' or 'Migratory - Offshore - Shipping'. People were also excluded if their Place of Work SA2 wasn't stated or was 'No fixed address' or was in the categories of 'Capital city undefined', 'State/Territory undefined' or 'Migratory - Offshore - Shipping'.

STATISTICAL AREAS LEVEL 3 IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA - OUTBACK

PLACE OF ENUMERATION AND PLACE OF USUAL RESIDENCE POPULATIONS FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA - OUTBACK SA4 AND SA3s, 2011

Area

Place of enumeration (POE)

no.

Proportion of WA-Outbackenumerated population

%

Place of Usual Residence (PUR)

no.

Proportion of WA-Outback usual resident population

%

Difference (POE/PUR)

%

Pilbara

79 856

30.4

59 895

27.9

33.3

Mid West

57 363

21.8

53 656

25.0

6.9

Kimberley

48 705

18.5

34 793

16.2

40.0

Goldfields

46 190

17.6

41 810

19.4

10.5

Esperance

15 503

5.9

15 608

7.3

-0.7

Gascoyne

15 488

5.9

9 288

4.3

66.8

Western Australia – Outback

263 105

100

215 050

100

22.3

Western - Australia Outback is made up of six Statistical Areas Level 3 (SA3s) - Pilbara, Mid West, Kimberley, Goldfields, Esperance and Gascoyne. These six areas share some characteristics and differ in others.

Place of enumeration at different Statistical Levels

Though 79% of people counted in Western Australia - Outback SA4 on Census Night were usual residents of this SA4 they were not all enumerated in the SA3 where they were a usual resident. A small proportion of the usual resident population of Gascoyne (2.6%) were counted in another SA3 within Western Australia - Outback on Census Night. This was the also the case for Esperance (2.3% of the usual resident population), Mid West (1.8%), Goldfields (0.9%), Pilbara (0.7%) and Kimberley (0.4%).

PILBARA

PILBARA - COMPONENTS OF POPULATION COUNTS(a), 2011

Enumerated and Usual Resident

56 819

Enumerated but not Usual Resident

23 037

Usual Resident, Enumerated out of the area

3 075

(a) Excludes overseas visitors

Population count

Pilbara SA3 contributes the greatest number of people to Western Australia - Outback, 30% of the enumerated population and 28% of the usual resident population. The usual resident and enumerated populations in Pilbara grew by a large proportion between 2001 and 2011 (61% and 88% respectively). In 2011, almost three-quarters (71%) of people enumerated in Pilbara reported they were usually resident there. The remainder were usually resident elsewhere in Western Australia - Outback (1%), Perth (14%), other SA3s in the remainder of Western Australia (4.4%) and interstate (8.5%). A small proportion did not have a usual address (1.0%).

Population characteristics

Between 2001 and 2011, the number of enumerated males increased at a greater rate than females (125% and 42% respectively). A similar trend was seen for the usual resident population (82% and 36% respectively). This is reflected in the sex ratio for this SA3. For the enumerated population, the sex ratio for those who were usual residents was 160 (that is 160 men for every 100 women). The sex ratio for non usual residents was considerably higher (390), almost 4 men for every woman. The median age for usual residents was 32 years, noticeably lower than that for non usual residents (43 years). A larger proportion of usual residents were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (15%) compared to non usual residents (4%).

Dwellings

Just over half of people (54%) counted in Pilbara on Census Night were in a private house, townhouse or unit. The proportion of people in staff quarters (34%) was the highest for any SA3 in Australia; only 0.4% of all people in Australia were counted in staff quarters on Census Night. The most commonly reported industries for those enumerated in staff quarters who supplied their industry were Mining (44%) and Construction (29%). The next most common was Accommodation and Food Services (6%). Just under half of people in staff quarters (49%) gave the staff quarters as their place of usual residence. The usual residence question on the Census Form asked whether the respondent had lived at or intended to live for six months or more at their Census Night address or elsewhere in Australia. Depending on how workers interpreted the question about usual residence they may or may not have nominated the area they worked in as their usual residence. This could be affected by factors such as their pattern of rostered time on and off work, and how long their work project lasted. In some areas, people who were Fly in Fly out workers were publically encouraged to nominate their work area as their usual residence, and this may also have influenced their responses.

PROPORTION OF THE ENUMERATED POPULATION IN SELECTED TYPES OF DWELLING, PILBARA, 2011

Of those who stated Pilbara as their place of work (46,316), over half (59%) were also usual residents of this SA3. A large proportion of people (39%) who reported Pilbara as a place of work travelled 1000kms or more from their place of usual residence to their place of work in Pilbara SA3.

For the 46,293 people who stated Pilbara as a place of work and also stated their industry, Mining (41%) and Construction (19%) were the most commonly reported industries. Almost three-quarters of those employed in the Mining Industry were in Metal Ore Mining (73%) and 14% were employed in Exploration and Other Mining Support Services.

The most commonly reported occupations for those who reported working in the Mining industry were Stationary Plant Operators (22%), Mechanical Engineering Trades Workers (11%) and Building and Engineering Technicians (8.4%). For workers in the Construction industry the most common occupations were Construction and Mining Labourers (16%), Electricians (7.4%) and Building and Engineering Technicians (6.5%).

People in Pilbara on Census Night who were not usual residents

From examining place of work, it can be seen that of the 23,039 people counted in Pilbara on Census Night who weren't usual residents, some would have been there because it was their place of work. Combining place of work and other data can shed some light on these and other people who were in Pilbara on Census Night.

PEOPLE IN PILBARA ON CENSUS NIGHT WHO WERE NOT USUAL RESIDENTS(a), 2011

Aged 15 years and over

22 825

Employed

13 831

Pilbara was their place of work

8 879

Place of work elsewhere in Western Australia - Outback

135

No Usual Place of Work

965

Insufficient information to determine whether or not place of work was in Pilbara

1 297

Place of work was not in Pilbara

2 553

Unemployed

197

Not in the labour force

2 680

Labour force status not stated

6 117

In staff quarters on Census Night

4 506

Not in staff quarters on Census Night

1 609

Aged under 15 years

214

Total(b)

23 039

(a) Excluding overseas visitors.(b) Due to perturbation of data to ensure confidentiality, components may not add to total.

Almost all people present in Pilbara on Census Night who were not usual residents were aged 15 years and over (22,825 or 99%). Over half of these people were employed (13,831 or 61%), and 2,680 were not in the labour force. A substantial number (6,117) did not state their labour force status, however, 4,506 of these people were enumerated in staff quarters, making it very likely they were working.

Over half of the employed people counted in Pilbara on Census Night who were not usual residents of this SA3 had reported Pilbara as their place of work (8,879).

A large number of non usual residents who were employed (1,297 people) did not supply sufficient information to determine whether or not Pilbara was their place of work. Over half (824 people) of this group were enumerated in staff quarters. There were 2,688 people who gave a place of work outside Pilbara SA3 - 49% of whom were enumerated in staff quarters in Pilbara on Census Night.

The 2,680 non usual residents who were not in the labour force were mostly in the retirement or early retirement age range. Just under half (49%) were aged 65 years and over and a further 34% were aged 55-64 years. Over half of the 2,680 people were enumerated in a caravan, cabin etc (1,598 people). A further 4.8% were in staff quarters.

MID WEST

MID WEST - COMPONENTS OF POPULATION COUNTS(a), 2011

Enumerated and Usual Resident

50 909

Enumerated but not Usual Resident

6 455

Usual Resident, Enumerated out of the area

2 749

(a) Excludes overseas visitors

Population count

In 2011, Mid West SA3 accounted for 22% of Western Australia - Outback's enumerated population and 25% of the usual resident population. There were 6.9% more people enumerated than usually resident in Mid West. The enumerated population of Mid West grew by 12.6% between 2001 and 2011. The usual resident population grew by a similar proportion (13.9%) over the same period.

The majority of people who were enumerated in Mid West SA3 were also usual residents of the area (89%) and only a further 0.5% were usually resident elsewhere in Western Australia - Outback. The remainder were usually resident in Perth (5.2%), other SA3s in the remainder of Western Australia (2.3%) and interstate (2.7%). Less than 1% of people did not report a usual address.

Population characteristics

The median age for usual residents was lower than that for non usual residents (38 years compared to 51 years). The sex ratio for usual residents (106, that is 106 men for every 100 women) was noticeably lower than for non usual residents (188). The proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was higher for the usual resident population than the non usual resident population (10% compared to 3.6%).

Dwellings

The majority of people in Mid West were enumerated in a private house, townhouse or unit (84%). A further 7.3% were housed in staff quarters on Census Night. Close to half of the group (44%) counted in staff quarters also gave the staff quarters as their usual residence. For the entire group in staff quarters, the most commonly reported industries of employment were Mining (51%), Construction (16%) and Manufacturing (13%).

PROPORTION OF THE ENUMERATED POPULATION IN SELECTED TYPES OF DWELLING, MID WEST, 2011

Of the 22,763 people who reported Mid West as a place of work, 88% were also usually resident in this SA3. The proportion who travelled 1000kms or more from their place of usual residence to their place of work was 1.4%.

The most common industries of work for those who were employed in Mid West were Mining (12%), Retail Trade (10%) and Health Care and Social Assistance (9.5%).

The most common industry of work varied greatly for usual residents and those who were not usual residents but were enumerated in Mid West on Census Night. For usual residents, the most common industries of employment were Retail Trade (11%), Health Care and Social Assistance (11%), Education and Training (9.9%), Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (9.1%) and Construction (8.5%). For those who were not usual residents they were Mining (52%), Construction (12%), Manufacturing (9.2%), Accommodation and Food Services (5.5%), and Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (3.3%).

The leading occupations for the Mining industry were Stationary Plant Operators (29%), Mechanical Engineering Trades Workers (8.6%), and Building and Engineering Technicians (7.0%). For Retail Trade they were Sales Assistants and Salespersons (41%), Retail Managers (15%) and Checkout Operators and Office Cashiers (9.7%). The most commonly reported occupations for those who worked in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry were Midwifery and Nursing Professionals (20%), Personal Carers and Assistants (18%) and Health and Welfare Support Workers (8.3%).

People in Mid West on Census Night who were not usual residents

PEOPLE IN MID WEST ON CENSUS NIGHT WHO WERE NOT USUAL RESIDENTS(a), 2011

Aged 15 years and over

6 218

Employed

3 174

Mid West was their place of work

1 236

Place of work elsewhere in Western Australia - Outback

299

No Usual Place of Work

194

Insufficient information to determine whether or not place of work was in Mid West

292

Place of work was not in Mid West

1 155

Unemployed

111

Not in the labour force

2 064

Labour force status not stated

866

In staff quarters on Census Night

410

Not in staff quarters on Census Night

456

Aged under 15 years

238

Total(b)

6 456

(a) Excluding overseas visitors.(b) Due to perturbation of data to ensure confidentiality, components may not add to total.

The majority of people enumerated but not usually resident in Mid West (96%) were aged 15 years and over. Just over half of this group (3,174) were employed, 2,064 were not in the labour force and 866 people did not state their labour force status.

For the 3,174 people who were employed, 1,236 reported Mid West as a place of work. It is possible that more non usual residents may also have been working in this area - a further 486 employed people either had no fixed place of work or did not give sufficient information to determine whether or not they worked in the Mid West. In addition, there were 866 non usual residents who did not state their labour force status, but 410 of these were in staff quarters on Census Night, so are likely to have been working.

Of the 2,064 non usual residents who were not in the labour force the majority were of retirement or pre-retirement age, 56% were aged 65 years and over and a further 30% were aged 55-64 years.

KIMBERLEY

KIMBERLEY - COMPONENTS OF POPULATION COUNTS(a), 2011

Enumerated and Usual Resident

33 629

Enumerated but not Usual Resident

15 076

Usual Resident, Enumerated out of the area

1 164

(a) Excludes overseas visitors

Population Count

Kimberley SA3 accounted for 19% of Western Australia - Outback's enumerated population and 16% of the usual resident population. There were 40% more people enumerated than usually resident in Kimberley. Its enumerated population grew by 20% between 2001 and 2011, a larger proportion than the usual resident population which grew by 15% over the same period. The majority of people enumerated in Kimberley were also usual residents of the area (69%) and a further 1.1% were usually resident elsewhere in Western Australia - Outback. The remainder were usually resident in Perth (7.3%), other SA3s in the remainder of Western Australia (3.8%), and interstate (17%). A small proportion did not report a usual address (1.9%).

Population characteristics

The median age for those usually resident in Kimberley was considerably younger than for those who were counted in Kimberley on Census Night but were not usual residents (30 years compared to 57 years). The median age was much lower for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who were usual residents (23 years) and those who were not usual residents (29 years). The sex ratio was slightly lower for the usual resident population 114 (that is 114 men for every 100 women) than for non-usual residents (120).

Just under half (44%) of usual residents in Kimberley were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This group accounted for 42% of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Western Australia - Outback. Almost all of this group (97%) was enumerated in Kimberley on Census Night. Only 4% of non usual residents were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Dwellings

Less than two-thirds (60%) of people in Kimberley were enumerated in a private house, townhouse or unit, much lower than for Australia as a whole (96%). There was a large proportion of people housed in caravans, cabins, houseboats, improvised dwellings, tents or sleeping out (19%). This was considerably higher than for Australia (less than 1%).

PROPORTION OF THE ENUMERATED POPULATION IN SELECTED TYPES OF DWELLING, KIMBERLEY, 2011

Of the 15,118 people who stated Kimberley SA3 as a place of work, 82% were also usual residents in Kimberley. Those who travelled 1000kms or more from their place of usual residence to their place of work accounted for 16% of those who worked in Kimberley SA3.

The most common industries for those who stated Kimberley as a place of work were Health Care and Social Assistance (12%), Education and Training (12%) and Mining (10%).

For those with a usual residence in Kimberley, the most common industries of employment were Health Care and Social Assistance (14%), Education and Training (14%), Public Administration and Safety (9.8%), Retail Trade (8.2%) and Construction (7.9%). For those with a usual residence elsewhere the leading industries of employment were Mining (35%), Construction (12%), Accommodation and Food Services (11%), Health Care and Social Assistance (6.9%) and Public Administration and Safety (6.4%).

The top occupations for the Health Care and Social Assistance industry were Midwifery and Nursing Professionals (21%), Health and Welfare Support Workers (9.7%) and Personal Carers and Assistants (9.7%). The most commonly reported occupations for the Education and Training industry were School Teachers (37%), Education Aides (17%) and Tertiary Education Teachers (6.6%). For the Mining industry, the most commonly reported occupations were Stationary Plant Operators (26%), Mechanical Engineering Trades Workers (13%) and Building and Engineering Technicians (6.7%).

People in Kimberley on Census Night who were not usual residents

PEOPLE IN KIMBERLEY ON CENSUS NIGHT WHO WERE NOT USUAL RESIDENTS(a), 2011

Aged 15 years and over

14 146

Employed

6 152

Kimberley was their place of work

1 810

Place of work elsewhere in Western Australia - Outback

225

No Usual Place of Work

311

Insufficient information to determine whether or not place of work was in Kimberley

461

Place of work was not in Kimberley

3 343

Unemployed

168

Not in the labour force

6 385

Labour force status not stated

1 444

In staff quarters on Census Night

343

Not in staff quarters on Census Night

1 099

Aged under 15 years

928

Total(b)

15 074

(a) Excluding overseas visitors.(b) Due to perturbation of data to ensure confidentiality, components may not add to total.

Of the 15,074 people enumerated in Kimberley with a usual residence elsewhere, 14,146 were aged 15 years and over. Less than half of non usual residents aged 15 years and over were employed (6,152). A greater number (6,385) were not in the labour force and 1,444 did not state their labour force status.

Just over half of the 6,152 non usual residents who were employed reported a place of work outside Kimberley (3,568 people), a much larger number than those who worked in Kimberley (1,810 people).

For the 6,385 people who were not in the labour force, most were retirement or pre-retirement age; 65 years and over (50%) and 55-64 years (36%). The majority of these 6,385 people were enumerated in a caravan, cabin etc (66%), and hotels, motels etc (15%). It is likely that many of these people were in the area for tourism, family or personal reasons.

Of the group who did not state their labour force status (1,444 people), almost a quarter were enumerated in staff quarters on Census Night, making it likely they were working in the area.

GOLDFIELDS

GOLDFIELDS- COMPONENTS OF POPULATION COUNTS(a), 2011

Enumerated and Usual Resident

40 199

Enumerated but not Usual Resident

5 992

Usual Resident, Enumerated out of the area

1 611

(a) Excludes overseas visitors

Population count

In 2011, Goldfields made up 18% of Western Australia - Outback's enumerated population and 19% of the usual resident population. There were 10.5% more people enumerated than usually resident in this SA3 on Census Night. The enumerated and usually resident populations grew by a similar proportion between 2001 and 2011 (10.9% and 11.4% respectively). The majority of the enumerated population were also usually resident in Goldfields (87%) and only 0.5% had a usual residence elsewhere in Western Australia - Outback. The remainder were usually resident elsewhere in Western Australia (8.7%) or interstate (3.1%). Only 0.7% did not have a usual address.

Population characteristics

The sex ratio for usual residents in Goldfields was 117 (that is, 117 men for every 100 women). It was much larger for those who were enumerated in this SA3 on Census Night but were not usually resident (299). There was also a noticeable difference in the median ages for these two groups (31 years compared to 42 years).

Of the Goldfields usual resident group, 13% were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; a much higher proportion than for those who were enumerated in Goldfields but not usually resident there (4.9%).

Dwellings

Of the 46,190 people counted in Goldfields, 36,965 were housed in a private house, townhouse or unit. A large number (5,256) were in staff quarters on Census Night, and 39% of this group also gave the staff quarters as their usual address. Almost three-quarters (72%) of employed people enumerated in staff quarters on Census Night reported working in the Mining industry.

PROPORTION OF THE ENUMERATED POPULATION IN SELECTED TYPES OF DWELLING, GOLDFIELDS, 2011

Of the 22,469 people who reported Goldfields as a place of work, 77% reported this SA3 as their place of usual residence.

Of people who worked in Goldfields SA3, 4% travelled 1000kms or more from their place of usual residence to their place of work.

The most common industries of employment for those who reported Goldfields as a place of work were Mining (34%) and Manufacturing (8.0%).

Mining was the most commonly reported industry for those with a usual residence in Goldfields (24%) and those with a usual residence elsewhere (64%). Other top industries for those with a usual residence in Goldfields were Retail Trade (8.6%), Education and Training (7.4%), Health Care and Social Assistance (7.2%) and Manufacturing (6.9%). For those with a usual residence elsewhere they were Manufacturing (11%), Construction (6.3%), Accommodation and Food Services (3.6%) and Transport, Postal and Warehousing (2.3%).

The most commonly reported occupations for those in the Mining industry were Stationary Plant Operators (30%), Mechanical Engineering Trades Workers (10%) and Building and Engineering Technicians (7.6%). For the Manufacturing industry the most commonly reported occupations were Stationary Plant Operators (18%) Mechanical Engineering Trades Workers (9.6%) and Fabrication Engineering Trades Workers (8.9%).

People in Goldfields on Census Night who were not usual residents

PEOPLE IN GOLDFIELDS ON CENSUS NIGHT WHO WERE NOT USUAL RESIDENTS(a), 2011

Aged 15 years and over

5 783

Employed

3 530

Goldfields was their place of work

2 056

Place of work elsewhere in Western Australia - Outback

52

No Usual Place of Work

218

Insufficient information to determine whether or not place of work was in Goldfields

327

Place of work was not in Goldfields

877

Unemployed

97

Not in the labour force

897

Labour force status not stated

1 259

In staff quarters on Census Night

783

Not in staff quarters on Census Night

475

Aged under 15 years

207

Total(b)

5 990

(a) Excluding overseas visitors.(b) Due to perturbation of data to ensure confidentiality, components may not add to total.

Almost the whole group of people enumerated in but not usually resident in Goldfields were aged 15 years and over (97%). Two-thirds of this group were employed (3,530). A substantial number did not state their labour force status (1,259) and a further 897 people were not in the labour force.

For the 3,530 non usual residents who were employed, almost two-thirds (2,056) also reported this SA3 as their place of work. Another 327 people did not supply sufficient detail to determine whether or not Goldfields was their place of work, and 218 people had no fixed workplace address. Over half of these 545 people were housed in staff quarters on Census Night, making it likely they were working in this area.

Over a third of the non usual resident group (1,259) did not state their labour force status. However, over half of this group (783) were enumerated in staff quarters in Goldfields on Census Night. So, it is likely that these people may have been working in the area.

For those non usual residents who were not in the labour force (897 people) over three-quarters were in the retirement or pre-retirement age range: 46% were aged 65 years and over and a further 30% were aged 55-64 years. Of this group (897 people) the majority of people were enumerated in a caravan, cabin etc (48%), a private house, townhouse etc (25%) and hotels, motels etc (12%).

ESPERANCE

ESPERANCE - COMPONENTS OF POPULATION COUNTS(a), 2011

Enumerated and Usual Resident

14 461

Enumerated but not Usual Resident

1 042

Usual Resident, Enumerated out of the area

1 148

(a) Excludes overseas visitors

Population count

In 2011, Esperance made up 5.9% of Western Australia - Outback's enumerated population and 7.3% of the usual resident population. On Census Night there were 0.7% less people enumerated than usually resident in Esperance. The enumerated population in Esperance grew by 9.5% between 2001 and 2011 - a smaller proportion than for the usual resident population (13.2%).

Over 9 in every 10 people enumerated in Esperance (93%) also had a usual residence in this SA3 and a further small proportion (0.8%) were usually resident elsewhere in Western Australia - Outback. The remainder were usually resident in Perth (2.1%), in other SA3s in the remainder of Western Australia (1.5%), and interstate (2%). Less than 1% of people enumerated in Esperance did not have a usual address.

Population characteristics

The sex ratio for usual residents in Esperance was 103 (that is, 103 men for every 100 women). It was considerably higher for people who were in Esperance on Census Night but did not usually live there (189). The median age was lower for usual residents than for non usual residents (38 years compared to 51 years). Usual residents were more likely to be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than non usual residents (4.1% compared to 2.7%).

Dwellings

The vast majority of people counted in Esperance on Census Night were in a private house, townhouse or unit (91%). A further 3.1% were housed in caravans, cabins etc. The remainder were evenly distributed across staff quarters, hotels, motels etc and other non-private dwellings.

PROPORTION OF THE ENUMERATED POPULATION IN SELECTED TYPES OF DWELLING, ESPERANCE, 2011

Of the 6,718 people who reported Esperance SA3 as a place of work most were also usually resident there (94%). A further 5.6% had no usual address or a usual residence elsewhere in Western Australia. Less than 1% of people in this SA3 travelled more than 1000kms from their place of usual residence to their place of work.

The most common industries of employment for people who worked in Esperance were Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (16%) and Retail Trade (10%).

The most commonly reported occupations for those in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industry were Farmers and Farm Managers (73%), Farm, Forestry and Garden Workers (9.8%) and Mobile Plant Operators (3.3%). For workers in the Retail Trade industry the most commonly reported occupations were Sales Assistants and Salespersons (41%), Retail Managers (17%), and Checkout Operators and Office Cashiers (9.5%).

People in Esperance on Census Night who were not usual residents

PEOPLE IN ESPERANCE ON CENSUS NIGHT WHO WERE NOT USUAL RESIDENTS(a), 2011

Aged 15 years and over

1 011

Employed

553

Esperance was their place of work

184

Place of work elsewhere in Western Australia - Outback

60

No Usual Place of Work

25

Insufficient information to determine whether or not Place of Work was in Esperance

40

Place of Work was not in Esperance

246

Unemployed

31

Not in the labour force

298

Labour force status not stated

128

In staff quarters on Census Night

5

Not in staff quarters on Census Night

126

Aged under 15 years

29

Total(b)

1 040

(a) Excluding overseas visitors.(b) Due to perturbation of data to ensure confidentiality, components may not add to total.

Only 7% of people counted in Esperance SA3 on Census Night (1,040) were not usually resident there. Almost everyone in this group was aged 15 years and over (97%). For the group aged 15 years and over who stated their labour force status, 63% were employed, 4% were unemployed and 34% were not in the labour force. Over half of the employed group had a place of work elsewhere in Australia.

GASCOYNE

GASCOYNE- COMPONENTS OF POPULATION COUNTS(a), 2011

Enumerated and Usual Resident

8 668

Enumerated but not Usual Resident

6 821

Usual Resident, Enumerated out of the area

621

(a) Excludes overseas visitors

Gascoyne has some of Western Australia's main tourist attractions including the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Ningaloo Reef, Monkey Mia and Coral Bay. In 2011, Gascoyne made up 5.9% of Western Australia - Outback's enumerated population and 4.3% of the usual resident population. Between 2001 and 2011, there was virtually no change in the number of people enumerated in Gascoyne and the number of usual residents declined (-3.8%).

In 2011, there were 67% more people counted than usually resident in Gascoyne on Census Night. Just over half (56%) of people enumerated in Gascoyne were also usually resident there and a further 2.5% were usually resident in other parts of Western Australia - Outback. The remainder were usual residents of Perth (14%), other SA3s in the remainder of Western Australia (15%) and interstate (11%). A small proportion did not have a usual address (2.2%).

Gascoyne consists of only two Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2s), Exmouth and Carnarvon. These SA2s are quite different in regards to their population and dwelling characteristics. The majority of tourist attractions are situated in Exmouth and probably play a major role in differences that can be seen between the two SA2s. The discussion for this SA3 is now divided into the two SA2s.

PLACE OF ENUMERATION AND PLACE OF USUAL RESIDENCE POPULATIONS FOR GASCOYNE SA3 AND SA2s, 2011

Area

Place of enumeration (POE)

no.

Place of Usual Residence (PUR)

no.

Difference (POE/PUR)

%

Carnarvon

6 680

5 346

25.0

Exmouth

8 808

3 942

123.4

Gascoyne

15 488

9 288

66.8

EXMOUTH

Population count

There were 123% more people enumerated than usually resident in Exmouth. Less than half (41%) of the enumerated population were usual residents of Exmouth and a further 3.8% were usually resident elsewhere in Western Australia - Outback. The remainder were usually resident in Perth (19%), other SA3s in the remainder of Western Australia (20%) and interstate (14%). A small proportion did not have a usual address (2.6%).

Population characteristics

The median age for usual residents in Exmouth was 39 years compared to 61 years for people counted there on Census Night who were not usual residents. The sex ratio was the same for the usual resident population and those who were not usual residents (115). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people accounted for 7.4% of usual residents in Exmouth and less than 1% of non usual residents.

Dwellings

In contrast to Australia as a whole, only a small proportion of people in Exmouth on Census Night were counted in a private house, townhouse or unit (40% compared to 96%). The most common dwelling type was caravan, cabin etc (48%). Hotels, motels etc housed 5.2% of people on Census Night and a further 4.2% of people were in staff quarters.

PROPORTION OF THE ENUMERATED POPULATION IN SELECTED TYPES OF DWELLING, EXMOUTH, 2011

Just over 2,000 people reported Exmouth as their place of work, almost four-fifths of these were also usual residents. Of this group, 6.1% travelled 1000kms or more from their place of usual residence to their place of work.

The most common industries of employment for those who worked in Exmouth were Accommodation and Food Services (16%) and Public Administration and Safety (14%).

The most common occupations for the Accommodation and Food Services industry were Accommodation and Hospitality Managers (18%), Cleaners and Laundry Workers (18%) and Food Trades Workers (12%). For the Public Administration and Safety industry the most commonly reported occupations were Defence Force Members, Fire Fighters and Police (10%), Prison and Security Officers (10%) and Natural and Physical Science Professionals (9%).

People in Exmouth on Census Night who were not usual residents

There were 5,216 people enumerated in Exmouth on Census Night who were not usually resident there. Most of this group (93%) were aged 15 years and over.

A third of the non usual residents aged 15 years and over were employed (1,609) and a larger number were not in the labour force (2,864). There were 335 people who did not state their labour force status.

The majority of the 2,864 non usual residents who were not in the labour force were retirement or pre-retirement age: 57% were aged 65 years and over and a further 33% were aged 55-64 years. Of all non usual residents who were not in the labour force most were enumerated in caravans, cabins etc (84%). It is likely that many of these people were in the area for tourism, family or personal reasons.

Of the non usual resident group who were employed only 9% reported Exmouth as a place of work. Over three-quarters reported a place of work outside Exmouth. The remainder had no fixed place of work (5.0%) and 6.8% didn't supply enough information to determine whether or not their place of work was in Exmouth.

CARNARVON

Population count

There were 25% more people enumerated than usually resident in Carnarvon SA2 on Census Night. Three quarters of those counted in Carnarvon were also usually resident in this SA2 and a further 1.9% were usually resident elsewhere in Western Australia - Outback. The remainder were fairly evenly spread between Perth (7.4%), other SA3s in the remainder of Western Australia (7.4%) and interstate (6.8%). A small proportion had no usual address (1.6%).

Population characteristics

The median age of 38 years for usual residents was much lower than that for those enumerated in Carnarvon but not usually resident (64 years). There was also a noticeable difference in the sex ratio for these two groups (115 and 104 respectively). Almost a quarter (23%) of usual residents in Carnarvon were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples compared with 1.7% of non usual residents.

Dwellings

Almost three-quarters (72%) of people in Carnarvon were in a private house, townhouse or unit (71%) on Census Night. The next most common dwelling type was caravan, cabin etc (23%).

PROPORTION OF THE ENUMERATED POPULATION IN SELECTED TYPES OF DWELLING, CARNARVON, 2011

The majority of the 2,004 people who reported Carnarvon as a place of work (92%) had a usual residence in Carnarvon. Of people who worked in Carnarvon SA2, 1.3% travelled 1000kms or more from their place of usual residence to their place of work.

The most common industries of work in Carnarvon were Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (16%) and Health Care and Social Assistance (12%).

The most common occupations for those in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industry were Farmers and Farm Managers (66%), Farm, Forestry and Garden Workers (19%) and Miscellaneous Labourers (1.6%). For the Health Care and Social Assistance industry the top occupations were Midwifery and Nursing Professionals (18%), Personal Carers and Assistants (14%) and Health and Welfare Support Workers (8.7%).

People in Carnarvon on Census Night who were not usual residents

Of the 1,681 people enumerated in Carnarvon but not usually resident, most (96%) were aged 15 years and over.

The majority of this group (65%) were not in the labour force. A quarter (25%) were employed, 10% did not state their labour force status and 1% were unemployed.

For non usual residents who were not in the labour force, most were in the retirement or pre-retirement age groups, 55-64 years (25%) and 65 years and over 68%. A substantial proportion of the group who were not in the labour force (84%) were enumerated in caravans, cabins etc.

Those who were employed, but not usually resident in Carnarvon were most likely to have reported a place of work outside of Carnarvon (240 people). Only 18% of the non usual residents group who were employed (71 people) reported Carnarvon as a place of work.

Overseas Visitors

Overseas visitors are people who were in Australia on Census Night, were identified as residents of 'another country' in response to the Census question 'Where does this person usually live?' and who indicated they would be resident in Australia for less than a year.

On Census Night there were 3,816 overseas visitors enumerated in Western Australia - Outback. Just under one-fifth of these visitors (659 people) were enumerated in staff quarters, which are generally associated with working in an area. The majority of this group were in the SA3s Pilbara (298 people) and Kimberley (194 people). The overseas visitors who were counted in staff quarters were predominately male (72%) and had a median age of 30 years. Over half (59%) of this group had never been married and 31% were married. It is hard to establish the exact reason why overseas visitors were enumerated in staff quarters. They may have been temporary workers in mining, tourism or other industries who were visiting Australia for less than one year, and usually lived in another country. In this case they were identified as overseas visitors. Overseas visitors are excluded in the remaining analysis in this article.

Place of Enumeration is the place where a person spent Census Night, which may or may not be where he or she usually lives. This information is recorded on Question 1 of the Census Household Form ('What is the address of this dwelling?') and in similar questions on other forms or methods of collection. Population counts based on where people were on Census Night are referred to as Enumerated Populations. Unless otherwise specified, enumerated populations in this article exclude overseas visitors (people who indicate they will be in Australia for less than a year and are usually resident in another country).

Place of Usual Residence is the place where a person usually lives, defined as the place where, on Census Night, a person had lived or expected to live for six months or more of the calendar year. Usual residence data is collected from Question 8 on the Census Household Form ('Where does this person usually live?') which is answered for every person in the dwelling, and from equivalent questions when other forms or methods of collection are used. If a person has no usual address they may write in 'None' and these people are coded to 'no usual address'. An off-shore place such as an oil rig is a valid usual address as is a ship or boat. Population counts based on place of usual residence are referred to as Usual Resident Populations.

Place of Work is the place a person worked in their main job in the week prior to Census. It is collected through a workplace address question on Census forms. Acceptable responses include 'no fixed workplace address'. People who report to a depot for work are asked to supply the depot address.

Statistical Areas Level 4 (SA4s) are the largest regions below the State and Territory level in the Main Structure of the Australian Statistical Geography Standard. They are aggregations of whole Statistical Areas Level 3 and fit whole within State and Territory Boundaries. They are designed to reflect one or more whole labour markets and to have a population of 100,000 or more. In rural areas, SA4s generally represent aggregations of multiple small labour markets with socioeconomic connections or similar industry characteristics. Large regional city labour markets are generally defined by a single SA4. Within major metropolitan labour markets, SA4s represent sub-labour markets.

Statistical Areas Level 3 (SA3s) are built from whole Statistical Areas Level 2 and aggregate directly to SA4s. They do not cross State or Territory borders. The aim of SA3s is to create a standard framework for the analysis of ABS data at the regional level through clustering groups of SA2s that have similar regional characteristics.

Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2s) are built from whole Statistical Areas Level 1 and aggregate directly to SA3s. They do not cross State or Territory borders. Their aim is to represent a community that interacts together socially and economically.

'Private house, townhouse or unit' groups together: Occupied Private Dwellings with Dwelling Structure of: private house; semi-detached, row or terrace house or townhouse, etc; Flat, unit or apartment, etc; and Other Dwelling - house or flat attached to a shop, office, etc.
'Caravan, cabin, houseboat, improvised dwelling, tent and sleepers out' (groups two categories of Occupied Private Dwelling).
'Private dwelling, structure not stated'.
'Hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, boarding house or private hotel' (groups two categories of Non-Private Dwelling).
'Staff quarters' is a category of Non-Private Dwelling. It does not include nurses quarters which are also a separate category of Non-Private dwelling, grouped in this article with 'Other and not classifiable non-private dwelling'.
'Other and not classifiable non private dwellings' groups together 18 other categories of non private dwellings including nurses quarters. The categories cover educational, health and welfare and religious non-private dwellings, corrective institutions and immigration detention centres and other and not classifiable non-private dwellings.

Not stated means that no response was received for this data item. As well as Census forms received with some questions unanswered, imputation of whole persons can contribute to the number of not stateds. Where imputed individuals are added to the Census count, only the core data items of age, sex and place of usual residence are imputed, other data items are set to not stated.

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